Show 73 - "City Boy catches a Strangefish by the Riverside"

[Rick and Roll]

About five months ago, I played the entire Riverside CD "Out of Myself". This week, it's "Second Life Syndrome" as the centerpiece of the show. We'll match it up with another absolutely brilliant recent release, Strangefish with "Fortune Telling". And in-between, back to 1977 and the excellent prog-pop sounds of City Boy.

Strangefish - "Fortune Telling" (2006)

Their debut "Full Scale" was just awesome. I think they outdid themselves on their sophomore effort. Love to get these guys across the Atlantic to America. This CD is a theme, mostly of the travails of money. There is quite a bit of back-referencing of themes to earlier cuts. You may think you are hearing the same song, but there are differences. Very down to earth lyrics, poignant in the message. Sometimes the vocals are dead ringers for Ray Weston or Peter Nicholls. As on the first record, the guitar is top-shelf!

Happy As I Am
It Could Be Me
Random
360
Kepp The Exits Clear
Have You Seen the Light?
Lightswitch
Ignorance of Bliss
Reflection - This Is Me (Parts 1 & 2)
Lighthouse Jig

Lighthouse Jig stuck on the end, apparently a concert favorite. Thanks to keithie for turning me on to them a few years back

City Boy - cuts from "Young Men Gone West" (1977) and "Book Early" (1978)

Great, forgotten British prog-pop, always compared to 10cc, but much more meaty. They have a song that's such a ringer for Steely Dan, they should pay royalties. Also elements of Queen and Sweet. A tip of the frisbee to Steady Stan, who jolted my faded memory, and of course Jeff, who has these (and about 4,000 other titles!).

Bordello Night
Dear Jean (I'm Nervous)
Honeymooners
Young Men Gone West
One After Two
The Man Who Ate His Car
Millionaire
5.7.0.5
Summer In The Schoolyard
Goodbye Laurelie
Cigarettes
Dangerous Ground

Blistering guitar and stellar vocals. Lots of drinking and women references, but always tasteful

Riverside - "Second Life Syndrome" (2005)

I knew this would happen. I'd rank the top releases of 2005 and one would come along and blow me away...after I rated the others. I like this a lot better than their first, and I like that a lot. Can't wait until Nearfest!

After
Volte-Face
Conceiving You
Second Life Syndrome
Artificial Smile
I Turned You Down
Reality Dream III
Dance With the Shadow
Before

The two long cuts, "Shadow" and the title cut, are amazing. These newer bands that combine old school prog with fresh, heavy rhythms, are just astounding. No one does it better than Riverside. A bit of Sylvan, Porcupine Tree, a pinch of growling (maybe 20 seconds worth, don't fret...). Reality Dream II is another instrumentsa..like to play all three parts together to see how they mesh.

Enjoy!

[podakayne]

going to love this show rick...strangfish was a love at first listen can hardly wait to hear this second cd in it's entirety!!!!...Cityboy GREAT!!!!! and the closer Riverside. i remember the great surprise upon hearing the free mp3 offering off the Nearfest site.

bravo rick, making my ears ring w/prog!
poda

[zvinki]

Sounds like a great show Rick. I have and love Second Life Syndrome, always ainterested in hearing new Strangefish, and know nothing of City Boy. Looking forward to hearing all!